MarBrisa vs Grand Pacific Palisades

[linsj]

I'm still hoping to go to Hawaii in early November, but the likelihood of getting a test result for Covid-19 in three days is still up in the air. So I'm starting to explore a backup plan. I'm looking at a studio at the Carlsbad properties. Are there any advantages to spending more points at Grand Pacific Palisades vs. fewer at MarBrisa?

 

[buzglyd]

I think I would take MarBrisa. Really nice pool area and on site restaurant and spa. They are right next to each other so location isn't a big difference.

 

[mjm1]

I'm still hoping to go to Hawaii in early November, but the likelihood of getting a test result for Covid-19 in three days is still up in the air. So I'm starting to explore a backup plan. I'm looking at a studio at the Carlsbad properties. Are there any advantages to spending more points at Grand Pacific Palisades vs. fewer at MarBrisa?

We are new HGVC owners and will be staying at MarBrisa for the first time in August. However, we have visited all three HGVC resorts in Carlsbad and definitely liked the feel of the resort and units at MarBrisa the best. One thing to be aware of at MarBrisa is there is two separate section. The Cove is the main area where the lobby and the large pool is located. The Pointe is the other area down the street. The pool is smaller and there are no elevators. There is also a newer building in the Pointe (#80) and that may have elevators.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[linsj]

Thanks for the feedback.

Another question: What's the difference between regular and deluxe studios? They're the same size and number of points?

 

[buzglyd]

Thanks for the feedback.

Another question: What's the difference between regular and deluxe studios? They're the same size and number of points?

Deluxe is likely on a higher floor.

 

[dayooper]

Thanks for the feedback.

Another question: What's the difference between regular and deluxe studios? They're the same size and number of points?

It can be a higher floor or a better ocean view. The Boulevard and Elara in Vegas, the plus units are the higher floors. In Myrtle Beach, the plus units are ocean front (Ocean 22 standard rooms have a nice ocean view as well).

Elara in Vegas has some other room designations like grand (full kitchen).

 

[SteelerGal]

MarBrisa. We go there at least 4x/yr since local.
Sorry, we only will stay in 2bdrm.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

In regards to a "better ocean view", I think that the resort is probably around 1/2 mile from the ocean. So it will be a slight view on the horizon. Don't expect to see white water. Also, in that part of the coast, there are some bluffs on the ocean, so if you get an ocean view it will be in the distance.

 

[presley]

If it's adults only - Marbrisa. As posted above, the ocean view rooms (deluxe studio) have an ocean sliver. Also, there aren't elevators in the ocean view units (the older part of the resort). There's only one fight of stairs, though.

 

[RX8]

If you have kids Grand Pacific Palisades is a great choice. Dedicated kids pool and splash area. They also have a basketball court and play ground. There are also some nice kids activities all day. Easy walking to Legoland and Costco (although carrying back your Costco loot won’t be fun).

Disclosure - I own at GPP. I also have an HGVC option which to date I have never swapped for because my kids have loved the resort so much.

Attached is a view of the ocean from the room, which another has stated it is about 1/2 mile. If you ever stay at GPP you will know you have an ocean view if your check in day is Sunday (park view is Saturday).

 

[dayooper]

Attached is a view from the ocean from the room, which another has stated it is about 1/2 mile. If you ever stay at GPP you will know you have an ocean view if your check in day is Sunday (park view is Saturday).

View attachment 23249

That’s quite interesting. Your check in day depends on your view. I’m not sure I have ever heard if that before.

 

[RX8]

That’s quite interesting. Your check in day depends on your view. I’m not sure I have ever heard if that before.

This is of course only if you are using a GPP week. If you are using HGVC points then your view will be based on the points cost (ocean view higher cost).

 

[dayooper]

This is of course only if you are using a GPP week. If you are using HGVC points then your view will be based on the points cost (ocean view higher cost).

Did those ocean view weeks cost more?

 

[frank808]

If you have kids Grand Pacific Palisades is a great choice. Dedicated kids pool and splash area. They also have a basketball court and play ground. There are also some nice kids activities all day. Easy walking to Legoland and Costco (although carrying back your Costco loot won’t be fun).

Disclosure - I own at GPP. I also have an HGVC option which to date I have never swapped for because my kids have loved the resort so much.

Attached is a view of the ocean from the room, which another has stated it is about 1/2 mile. If you ever stay at GPP you will know you have an ocean view if your check in day is Sunday (park view is Saturday).

View attachment 23249

Do you still have to run across the street from GPP to Legoland? I found that to be a nice and interesting exercise. Did they install a cross walk to Legoland?

I have never had a problem walking down that hill to Costco. It is the walking back UP part that left me tired. And this is without any groceries. I can see it lugging a 40 pack of water up that hill

I used to be an owner at GPP and Seaside. It was nice to use our fixed summer weeks there when my son was a lot younger and loved Legoland. Have long sold those units when my son outgrew Legoland. When we have needed to stay in Carlsbad we have just booked at Marbrisa with HGVC. Last time we were there, there was only one or two buildings down by the big pool.

Enjoy your stay, I cant say you would go wrong with either GPP or Marbrisa, both have its cons and pros.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[linsj]

Although I'm REALLY hoping to go to Hawaii this year, if I can't I'll book MarBrisa, assuming it's still available. I need to be near the ocean. It gives me perspective, which I tend to lose frequently in the midst of this Covid craziness.

 

[frank808]

Although I'm REALLY hoping to go to Hawaii this year, if I can't I'll book MarBrisa, assuming it's still available. I need to be near the ocean. It gives me perspective, which I tend to lose frequently in the midst of this Covid craziness.

You would be closer to ocean from Grand Pacific Palisades.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[RX8]

Did those ocean view weeks cost more?

HGVC or deeded weeks?

Ocean views are considered premium rooms with HGVC. My summer week is considered platinum and therefore is worth 8400 points. The park view is 7000 points. Noteworthy, HGVC membership no longer passes to a new owner on a resale (I bought my resale from GPP’s resale department and they added HGVC but they no longer do this). I was offered GPP/HGVC retail direct from HGVC back in 2012 and they wanted $38,000 for a summer fixed week worth 8400 points. I do not know if HGVC sales weasels are still pulling GPP out of their back pocket as a slightly “cheaper” option.

I don’t have any stats but I would say that ocean view prices for a GPP deeded week definitely has a premium but probably not as much as you would expect. Summer weeks are the most desirable as they are fixed weeks so no battles over reserving a week.

 

[RX8]

Do you still have to run across the street from GPP to Legoland? I found that to be a nice and interesting exercise. Did they install a cross walk to Legoland?

I have never had a problem walking down that hill to Costco. It is the walking back UP part that left me tired. And this is without any groceries. I can see it lugging a 40 pack of water up that hill

I used to be an owner at GPP and Seaside. It was nice to use our fixed summer weeks there when my son was a lot younger and loved Legoland. Have long sold those units when my son outgrew Legoland. When we have needed to stay in Carlsbad we have just booked at Marbrisa with HGVC. Last time we were there, there was only one or two buildings down by the big pool.

Enjoy your stay, I cant say you would go wrong with either GPP or Marbrisa, both have its cons and pros.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

There is a clearly marked crosswalk out in front of GPP. Just cross the street, take a right for a few minutes and cut through a side gate into Legoland’s parking lot. We’ve been visiting since my boys were 3 and 6 and never had a concern crossing the street. More of a concern was walking through the parking lot.

We’ve been visiting GPP since 2013 and this is looking to be the first time we won’t be able to go. Our week is the end of July. I live in a state that recently added California to the list of quarantine states and therefore we would be required to self quarantine for 14 days coming back into my home state. The silver lining is HGVC. I have until a week before my checkin to convert to HGVC points. I’ll need to bank for next year but still a nice option to have.